Development and Application of Augmented Reality Technology in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital computer-generated information, such as images or contextual data, through a lens onto real-world imagery to enhance the viewer’s perception and experience of reality. Technological advancements have inserted mixed and altered reality platforms into daily-use applications, including consumer retail, travel, and recreation. Within the medical field, AR has advanced surgeons’ ability to perform complex surgical procedures through enhanced understanding of anatomy. This chapter details the development of AR technologies within minimally invasive spine surgery, with an emphasis on the advantages and challenges facing currently available platforms. The authors evaluate outcomes of intraoperative use and future direction within minimally invasive spine surgery. As enabling technologies aim to improve surgical outcomes, it is essential to properly understand and evaluate the role of available technology on the surgical management of complex spinal pathology.